JIM ED BROWN PASSES AWAY

The Grand Ole Opry just won't be the same without him. Country music legend and 52-year Opry member Jim Ed Brown has passed away at the age of 81 after battling lung cancer.

I met Mr. Brown a couple of times and he was one of the nicest gentlemen. He's joined Chad and Jaclyn on many occasions when they've done live broadcasts from backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

He was always so welcoming to all of us and to any radio station that do shows from the Opry.

I feel a little like we've lost a member of the family.

I'm certain that's exactly how it feels right now in Nashville.

Jim Ed Brown's career began as a member of the family folk/country trio The Browns, with this sisters Maxine and Bonnie. Together, they spent 10 weeks at number one in 1959 with "The Three Bells." He later achieved solo success in the 1960s, reaching a peak of number 3 with his signature hit "Pop a Top."

But he made more regular appearances in the top ten in the 1970s with his frequent duet partner, Helen Cornelius, with whom he recorded his second number one song "I Don't Want to Have to Marry You."

Earlier this year, it was announced that Jim Ed Brown would be included in the 2015 class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees.

Here is the official statement from Plowboy Records on his passing:

It is with a great deal of sadness that Plowboy Records announces that one of our artists, Jim Ed Brown, has passed away. Our prayers are with his family and friends, who will miss a kind, loving individual as well as a great artist. If anyone should have been called "Gentleman Jim," it was Jim Ed Brown.

Jim Ed Brown's big dream was to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. He achieved that dream. He also had a dream to record a new album-he had not recorded an album in over 30 years-and we're proud to say that Plowboy Records helped him to achieve that dream. His album "In Style Again" is quintessential Jim Ed Brown.

We were proud to work with him on this album and honored that he chose Plowboy for his last recording label as it fit perfectly with our mission to promote the legacy of Jim Ed's close friend, Eddy Arnold. Jim Ed, whether solo or with The Browns, toured and/or made many appearances with Eddy Arnold over the years and they remained close friends until Eddy's death in 2008. Eddy's passing deeply affected Jim Ed and that is why it was especially rewarding to have him join our family. We will not only miss Jim Ed Brown's smile and amazingly positive spirit, but also that connection to a friendship between two great artists who shared a lot through their journey through life and music.

Don Cusic, Producer and Co-Founder and Shannon Pollard, President

The video for his most recent single "It's a Good Life" is a perfect example of Jim Ed Brown 's enduring talent and his terrific sense of humor.

Take a look:

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